‘i Am’ ‘The Church’ of the Great “I Am”

By Dr. Jim McClinton

Do you believe that the essence of our Salvation is Spiritual Maturity? We are spiritually mature when we “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV). Do you know that wisdom and knowledge are related but not synonymous? Wisdom is “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting” (The Gospel); Knowledge, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” No one (none of us) is born wise; we must acquire and can only acquire wisdom from God. The Bible urges us often to seek wisdom above all things; “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” (Proverbs 4:7, ESV). Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom cannot exist with knowledge. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is when you know you should hear the word and the importance of it; Wisdom is hearing and knowing how and when to use it (Word) and how to live it. In order for us to obey Him and be in obedience, God wants us to have knowledge of Him and His commands, as of His word. Our knowledge begins when we fear God. If we lack or despise wisdom, we are foolish and not knowledgeable. Wisdom is a gift from God. Scriptures tell us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” James 1:5 (ESV). Just knowing the Bible and facts about God is not all there is to wisdom. God blesses us with wisdom; for us to use the knowledge we have of Him, in order for us to glorify Him. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7, KJV). In our Spiritual Maturity, let us fear God; and let us not be foolish but wise and knowable, pleasing God. This book, teaches us; giving one an understanding and affords us the opportunity to be blessed and favored with wisdom. It expresses and confirms who we are in Christ Jesus. ‘I Am’ ‘The Church’ Of The Great “I AM”. To God be the Glory!!!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664236578

Dr. Jim McClinton

As a man of God, he is considered a servant of Christ and a Minister or Steward of the mysteries of God; (1 Corinthians 4:1, NKJV). Since being regenerated by the renewal of the Holy Spirit, he is a Living Sanctuary. He is an Ambassador of the Gospel of Christ; and a Vessel of God. He is cleansed “washed in the blood” and ready to do the Master’s Work; (2 Timothy 2:21, NKJV). By the help of God, “he counts not himself to have apprehended; but this one thing he does, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before; he continuously press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”, (Philippians 3:13, 14, KJV). Born in Greenville, Mississippi, he is a baby boomer and native of St. Louis, Missouri. During his past, he’s been a young Boy Scout, a District Scout Executive, an International Rotarian and a University Professor. And yes, he’s a Vietnam Era Veteran. Academically, he is blessed with Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology, three Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology Counseling, Human Resource Management, and Computer Science and Management); and, a doctorate (PhD) in Developmental Psychology. Spiritually and socially, he’s more so in God’s unmerited favor (blessed) to have a beautiful and Godly “Help Meet” for almost fifty years with six endearing offspring. Presently, he is a writer of spiritual literature. He is grateful to God that he is a retired veteran, executive, and university professor. Now that you know who he is and whom he belong to; you have an opportunity to learn and know who His Teacher and His Master is. In addition, he is the honored author of “Learning the Way and the Truth, and the Life” (A Journey of Faith).

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CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Having Wisdom and Knowledge

The Kingdom Of God

‘I Am’ A Subject of The King!

‘I Am’ A Kingdom Man & A Kingdom Woman!

‘I Am’ A Soldier!

‘I Am’ God’s Prayer Warrior!

‘I Am’ My Savior’s & My Lord’s!

‘I Am’ God’s Beloved!

‘I Am’ The Church!

‘I Am’ Spiritually Maturing!

God, ‘The Church’ & A Pandemic

Joyous Celebrations!

Epilogue

TO MY LOVING WIFE AND SOUL MATE

Gloris E. Evans-McClinton

For your spiritual support and a lifetime of unconditional love that has surpassed anything my imagination could’ve conceived. Who has shared in all my joys and sorrows, my trails, failures and achievements; and whose love courage and devotion have been the strength of my endeavoring, this book is affectionately dedicated.

And

MY BELOVED MOTHER

Lethia Olivia Neal-McClinton

Whose loving spirit sustains me still!

AND GOD SAID TO MOSES, I AM WHO I AM. AND HE SAID, THUS YOU SHALL SAY TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, ‘I AM HAS SENT ME TO YOU.’

EXODUS 3:14, NKJV

PREFACE

I’d like to thank God and all who have purchased this book; for the opportunity to serve my fellow man. I also thank God for the Holy Spirit and for His guidance in constructing the book and the contents thereof. I’m grateful and praying that these synopsis of Spiritual Messages that reference in the vicinity 2,550 uplifting scriptures with a variety of translations; that will encourage and inspire all ‘members of the body; brothers and sisters alike in Christ Jesus. As you allow yourselves time and began reading this book, I truly believe you’ll get to know Christ better. There are many who make the claim they know Him; but only know of Him or about Him. We can play church or we can be the Church; we can be religious or we can be Righteous… We do have a choice… God sent His Son, and Son gave His Life for us to Personally Know Him. The doors of the Church are always open with the wide arms of Christ.

I also take this opportunity to thank you for trusting me in the purchase and reading of this book. Now, trust and follow Him, our Savior and our Lord! I guarantee this book will help you in your faith-walk and spiritual journey; as it has inspired and edified me as a writer, called by God. There are certainly times when I have allowed the world and it’s trials to discourage me. While facing numerous struggles and pressures, I had no idea that it was such a tiresome and lonely endeavor being a writer; especially during the chaotic year of 2020. As a Christian writer, I felt a great obligation and responsibility to not represent myself (it’s not about me), but to represent God and not bring discredit to Him or to His Word. Constantly, I faced spiritual attacks from the enemy who did not want me to write these uplifting messages of Hope to a fallen dark world. I pray that this book enlighten and encourage each reader. In writing, it definitely encouraged me!

There are 3 basic reasons for an author to write something: to persuade their readers, to inform their readers, or to entertain their readers. I’ve written I Am ‘The Church’ of The Great I AM to neither persuade nor entertain but to share the ‘Good News’. You know, when we give ourselves to studying God’s word that is wisdom and diligence. But we must also pray for God to open our minds to understanding, that’s dependence. So, when we engage in thinking and studying, God gives the understanding. (2 Timothy 2:7, NLT)... Studying and understanding God’s word matters because God matters. We may read any scripture abruptly, but we can study it for years. We may come to the end of reading any of the four gospels, but we can never come to the end of searching their depths.

As Believers, we all want to grow in grace and learn more of Christ. And of course none of us want to misunderstand the intended teachable moment of a message or the word of God. Understanding and Identifying the author’s purpose helps readers thoughtfully understand what a written text (God’s Message) is about. It guides those as readers to take a stance. A reader expresses his or her love for God by seeking to know and understand what His word is saying, not what they wish it to say. Thus, obeying it!

Did you know that every text in the Bible has two authors; the divine Author and, the human author? So does the book ‘I Am’ ‘The Church’ of The Great ‘I AM’. The divine Author (God/Holy Spirit) ensures that the human author’s (yours truly) words and thoughts were exactly as He intended. In 2 Peter 1:21, (ESV) Peter wrote, "no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Upon reading this book, your task is to seek the Divine Author’s meaning by discerning the human author’s meaning. With the guidance and consultation of the Holy Spirit, pursue spiritual growth through studying and understanding. It’s inevitable to make progress in studying God’s word, when we do it with the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am grateful that God favored me by being My Author; the Holy Spirit was My Roadmap, and, Jesus was/is My Publisher. TGBTG!!!

A proper reliance on the Holy Spirit in study should not lead us as The Church and/or as Members of the Body of Christ into isolation; instead, it leads us to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ. For we know that the God who made us shows us the WAY, leads us into all TRUTH, and gives us the LIFE, as we begin meditating on His word with great delight. Did you know that meditating on God’s Word has remarkable benefits? Yes, it does!

There were several biblical scriptures that I relied and they religiously inspired me to write this book. No doubt, I was enthusiastically encouraged by my wife, family and friends. The scriptures listed below did more than just inspire and uplift me; they spiritually strengthened me to be what God has intended me to be in Christ Jesus. All scripture quotations in this Preface, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Old and New Testament, New International Version, (NIV) of the Holy Bible. As you read these great inspirational messages and scriptures; and the book itself, I pray that all that’s written will uplift your mind and heart, (as it did me); giving you the strength and encouragement you need to get through each day! I share with you the scriptures that inspired me in the preparation and construction of this book:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. {2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV}

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. {2 Timothy 2:15, NIV}

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ {Acts 20:35, NIV}

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. {Psalm 37:23-24, NIV}

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. {Psalm 32:8, NIV}

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." {Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV}

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. {Romans 8:28, NIV}

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. {Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV}

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV}

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. {Romans 12:11, NIV}

God calls us His beloved children; meaning God loves us perfectly and accepts us unconditionally; because, His ‘Agape’ Love is unconditional. So, by God’s grace, I’m asking all of God’s Beloved Readers to be blessed in Him; and while you’re being blessed, be a blessing to someone? You don’t have to know them, just bless them as you would want to be blessed; now, that’s love! Lord, ‘I Am’ grateful because ‘I Am’ of Christ and I’m favorably blessed. Yes, ‘I Am’ Of The "Great I Am. ‘I Am’ ‘The Church’ of The Great ‘I AM’" As ‘I Am’ endowed with the Holy Spirit’s counsel and of His guided preparation, I present this book; and I thank all sincerely for acquiring it. Please, enjoy! Now, join with me in a celebration of worship?

🎶To God Be The Glory!

To God Be The Glory!

To God Be The Glory - For the things He has done!🎵

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It’s been my life’s dream to teach God’s word and to publish a spiritual book of wisdom and knowledge that leads to salvation. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without the help of family, friends and spiritual support groups. I thank all who’ve showed faith in me, as in God; and in my endeavors, in lieu of supporting this publication.

Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit

for spiritual knowledge and wisdom, and for your counsel that made this book possible.

Thank you Lethia Olivia Neal-McClinton (R.I.P.)

For my birth, your love and your teachings towards manhood.

Thank you Lillian Clark-Neal (R.I.P.)

for your love and modeling a life that’s pleasing to God.

Thank you Birder Mae Neal-Buie- Boutté

For your unselfish love and godly inspiration throughout my life.

Thank you WestBow Press

For your unwavering guidance and assistance in editing and publishing this book.

Thank you Rev. Carey A. Grady

For your spiritual leadership and support.

Thank you Rev. Gloris E. Evans-McClinton

for your love, your prayers and a life of unwavering support as my Help Meet.

INTRODUCTION

We are called by God to embrace our identity in Christ and walk in love, righteousness, and purpose. The rewards are unending; not the type of reward that brings temporary satisfaction but a deep soul satisfaction. Worldly, we all finish our ‘I am’ statements with something. ‘I am’ the author of this book. ‘I am’ a righteous man not a religious man. But ‘I am’ much more! And, so are you! Who am I in Christ? Great question…. Through biblical studies, I’ve found only a small measure of biblical affirmations in the New Testament that describes our identity and who we are in Christ. (Well, those who have become born-again, believers and followers of Jesus.) They reveal the truth about who God created us to be and how He wants each of us to live! Within this book, I’ve attempted to mention just small portion of the many glorious truths about who we can be and/or who we have become through faith in God’s Son; therefore, we are all sons and daughter of God, through faith.

Perchance, we can understand the I AM of God by understanding who we are in Him. By our nature, we usually define ourselves by convincingly declaring who we are not. I believe it’s important for us to define our identity; of whose we are and who we are not. Yes, momentarily we may be limited in knowing who we are; we may not know Him (Jesus); we may not know who we are in Him; but biblically, we’re promised that one day we shall not be limited any longer and that we all shall be like Him. Thus, we shall know who we are and be like Him (Jesus). Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2, NKJV), in His Kingdom.

I AM Who I AM shows that God is limitless! There is no limitation on God. We can’t place God is a box; neither can we box Him in nor can we limit Him. As we begin to understand and know who we are; (whose we are), we will begin to want to know all about the Great ‘I AM’. First and foremost, we are His. We were created or built to seek and live life in communion with Him and we are called to fulfill a unique purpose - His. Yes, we were bought with a high price. Jesus’ Blood! God describes and sees us, through Christ, as redeemed. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). In God’s eyes we are liberated, loved, and redeemed for who we are – in Christ. Who does God say that ‘I Am’? The more we embrace these truths from Scripture about who we are and who we have become in Christ, the more stable, grateful, and fully assured we will be in this world. ‘I Am’ What God Says ‘I Am’… And, ‘I Am’ who God says ‘I Am’ TGBTG!!!

HAVING WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

{Topics Content}

A Prayer for Healing

Agape Love

Am I The Difference?

Blame Game

Body, Soul & Spirit

Bread of Life

Desire

Faith & Trust

Favor

Fruitfulness

God Allows?

God is Good!

God & Prayer

God Gives

God’s Path

God’s Plan vs. Man’s Plans

God’s Promises

God’s Word

Growing In Grace

Hear The Word, Heed The Word!

Help Me Lord?

History With God

Holy Spirit

I Am A Priest?

I Am A Vessel, His!

I Am who I AM

I Know Him

It’s Possible!

Jesus is The Balm!

Joy & Happiness

Joy & Pain

Lord, I’m Tired!

Lord, You Promised!

Made up Mind

Membership

Ministry

My Conviction

My Help

My Wants vs. My Needs

Obedient Faith

On My Journey

Opportunities

Our Body/Temple

Our Ministry

Our Ministry & Dispensation of Grace

Pleasing God

Praise Be To God!

Prayer

Prayer Changes?

Praying For?

Prepared People

Relationships

Religion vs. Righteous

Servant

Servanthood

Shalom!

Sin

Spiritual Discernment

Spirit Fresh

Stewardship

Strongholds

The Church

The Church Is Us!

The Doors of The Church Are Open!

The Increase

The Gospel

The Potter & His Vessel

The Trinity

Thy Kingdom Come

Trusting God

Walk With Me, Lord?

Watch The Clouds?

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Where Do I Put Myself?

Who Am I?

Who’s Breaking Up?

Who’s Complacent?

Woe

Working For The Master

Wrestling With God

MATURING IN WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

A Prayer for Healing

Many of us have been hospitalized (as I). Gratefully, some of us are not now and are presently home recovering; going through some type of chronic pain or maybe even a life-threatening illness whether it be a virus, cancer, diabetes, gout, injury, or a surgical issue. God wants us to be whole, not just in our spirit and soul but also in our body. Please, pray with me? "God, in You we trust of those our family, our friends, loved ones and (me) ourselves who is ill and having health issues, whom we now commend to your compassionate regard; that no healing is too hard, if it be Your Will. Lord, none of us like or want to be sick. But times like this make us trust and rest in you. Lord, bestow skill to the hands of our healers (Doctors/Nurses/Technicians), and with wisdom bless the means used for our cure. Lord, teach me to be patient during these unpleasant times, and show me how to be a good patient while I’m recovering; and, help me not to take out my discomfort on those around me. Lord, as in Jeremiah 17:14 (KJV), I am counting on you to heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Lord, not just physical healing; but spiritual healing. Lord, my body is the temple of your Spirit; so I my trust in you and I’m asking you to make me well and restore my health and uplift my spirit. Lord, our healing is in Your Hands and we’re counting on You and praying that You bless us with Your loving care, renew our strength, and heal what afflicts us, whether it be physical or spiritual. Lord, we thank you and praise you for the opportunity to pray and to offer our Prayers of Petition for Healing. Lord, in your word (Philippians 4:6, NIV), you said: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Lord, scriptures (3 John 1:2, ESV) also tells us to Pray to God for healing and we will/shall be blessed and anointed in our health and strength to overcome whatever pain or health issues we face; knowing that you God and only you can comfort our mind, body and spirit. Amen. Hallelujah! Blessed assurance that healing will come! Remember, healing takes courage so be encouraged; and know that our affliction as is our testimony is being used for His glory not ours. Glory to God the Father! My-Get-Well-Wish is for God to bless all readers of this message with a spiritual, healthy, restful, happy, and speedy recovery because His grace and blessings are unmerited. Lord, I thank you for your grace and your mercy. 🎶Great is Your Mercy🎵 (Donnie McClurkin). Family, it’s all because of His Mercy and definitely, His 🎶Amazing Grace🎵 (New Britain) (The Original Sacred Harp Choir, 1922).

Agape Love

Do we truly know what love is? Do we truly understand that Agape Love is love at the highest level? It’s selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. Yes, it is! No, I’m not talking about sexual love or brotherly love. I’m talking about Agape Love! Agape is used to describe the love that is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself: God is love (1 John 4:8, KJV). Agape love involves faithfulness, commitment, and an act of good will. It is distinguished from all other types of love by its lordly moral nature and strong characteristics in God. Our validation of Agape Love is scriptural. 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (ESV) tells us, If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Love is heavily rooted in the character of God. We can love others, and show it through our actions, because God loved us first. God loves each of us more than we can ever imagine. And He loves each one of us unconditionally, regardless of our behavior or what we’ve done. And no matter what, we are to love others with Agape Love, whether they are fellow believers, Christians, or not (John 13:34, KJV). Some, if not many may feel this (Agape Love) isn’t easy. No it isn’t, because of our fallen nature, Agape love doesn’t come easy or naturally to us. Most of us also know that we alone, are incapable of giving such a love. If we are to love as God loves, this Agape Love were talking about can only come from its Source. God! This is the love that has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us when we became His children (Romans 5:5, KJV; Galatians 5:22, KJV). Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (John 3:16, KJV). That’s Agape Love! Therefore, we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. And, because of God’s love toward us, we are able to love one another (1 John 3:16, KJV).

Am I The Difference?

Am I Responsible? Are we (you and I) being Responsible? That is, in our Personal Instruction; ‘The Great Commission’’ (as found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 28). This is a personal directive from Jesus to all His Followers to follow after they have affirmed their faith. Matthew 28:19 KJV says, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Do any of us want to change the world? Our world is changing at a tremendous pace. Is God changing? But before we can change the world, we must change our world (self). ‘I am’ the difference, because He Made The Difference! 🎶If it wasn’t for the Lord, where would I be? My life was nothing until He set me free. What a change He made in my life, no more compromising the wrong for the right. (He made the difference in my life).🎵 What about You?

If we want to make a difference, the place to begin is on our knees. God wants us to make a difference wherever we are and whatever our circumstances. He wants us to be difference makers; and He can change the world through us, only, if we allow Him to use us! Yes, God wants us to make a difference wherever we are. Of course, we must change and we must venture out beyond the four walls of the local church’s. If we’re in Christ and He’s in us, what we do every day makes a difference, but only Him in us can we make a major difference in somebody’s life who couldn’t help themselves; like a family member, friend, stranger or enemy. Don’t forget our Great Commission Jesus left us! C’mon Difference Makers, let’s get busy?

It is very difficult to love God and yet hate what He loves, (People)! We cannot make a difference that way. The question is am I making a difference? Would you think that this was what I was actually created to do? You know Jesus was the original Difference Maker. He made a difference. He changed the world. Why did He do that? Why? Because the world wasn’t what God created it to be and because the world was broken (Sin), He (Jesus) came, lived, taught, died and rose again? Jesus came and He willingly gave Himself. Scriptures tells us, He became a difference maker, and then He established the church. Us! As the Church, we must have a change of heart. Changing your heart will also change your/our world. As we are on the road to being made whole as children of God, Jesus is quick to point out that being a child of the King has responsibilities. He says that we are the salt and the light of this world and that our righteousness should exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20, KJV). Listen? He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Revelation 2:17, KJV). God is calling each of us in our homes, (city, town, county, state); in our workplaces, shopping stores, schools, wherever. Is Jesus living in us, and through us? If He is, then like Him, we can also be difference makers, and He being in us can change the world through us. Scripturally, the church (you and I) is a change agent. Understanding that we’re not perfect; we’re only human; thus, we may fall sometimes, and we may not get all of our T’s crossed and all of our I’s dotted. There’s only one who’s perfect; JESUS!

Yes, Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV) says, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. When we think of Jesus’ followers (Disciples), we think of the twelve apostles, but there were more. In Luke 10:1-10 (ESV), we read that the mission was the same as Jesus’ own ministry (as ours): cure the sick and say to them, ‘the kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Jesus sent them ahead of him. It’s was a preview of the (our) ministry Jesus gives us today. We go ahead of Him, bringing His message (The Gospel) wherever we go – ‘Making a Difference!

Surely, as Disciples, we are called to go into this world and change it (make a difference) through the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Luke 4:18 (NIV) tells us that God has called and anointed each of us, to proclaim the good news; proclaiming freedom, and bringing healing. God calls His Kingdom men and Kingdom women to change the world. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 (KJV), And he said unto them, Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature. We also know that we are empowered by God’s Spirit to change the world. Acts 1:8 (KJV) tells us, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Now, do you believe that God has called you, purposed you, ordained you, empowered you, and has sent you to change the world? If you do believe, then you are a difference makers. If we truly want to change the world; there’s no telling what would happen if we would pray. Prayer makes a difference. Prayer can change the world. Prayer can bring breakthrough. Prayer can stop spiritual forces of oppression. Prayer can open doors. Prayer can change problems into victories. Yes, I’m certain we (you and I) can change the world, with prayer.

We can make a difference! With what we’ve learned thus far, In summation, I ask these questions: Am I The Difference? Are We Supposed To Change The World? Why is The World Changing Us? ‘Umm’ Let me conclude by saying: When we stand before God and the question is asked: "What did we do for the Lord and the building up of His Kingdom, during our journey here on this earth? I’d like to answer with 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV), where Peter uses a term peculiar: You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. Meaning we are strange; unusual, special. We’re different because we belong to Him (God), different in order to make a difference in the world. And because we are peculiar, we can make a difference. When I stand before the Lord in judgement, my answer will be Lord I Made A Difference!

Blame Game

It’s easy to blame God and others for all our problems. If we blame others, we don’t have to take any personal responsibility. Yes, we get hurt; we do, but we are responsible for what we do with that hurt. We do not have to go through the pains of dealing with our part in it all, but we also don’t heal! Anyone can have a pre-existing condition and need healing? Here’s a reminder: There Is a Balm in Gilead! Yes, we have to stop blaming God for the messes we put ourselves in at times. We made those poor choices. Some of us made very bad decisions. We chose to go left when God (Holy Spirit) said to go right. We chose to continue on when God (Holy Spirit) said stop. What we all need to do is - instead of blaming God; ask Him for forgiveness and guidance to make our lives better. I’m down…Are You? Let’s be Man enough and Woman enough to take responsibilities of our circumstance and stop blaming God. Besides, God can do everything, But Fail. He never failed me yet. Yes, 🎶We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; trusting in His holy Word, He’s never failed us yet.🎵 So, let us glorify Him and never blame Him.

Body, Soul & Spirit

Then God said, Let Us make man in our image, according to our likeness; Yes, we do have a body, a soul and a spirit. Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NLT) tells us Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. So I don’t consider myself a religious person, but I definitely consider myself a righteous spiritual being. We’ve all been taught, told and come to know we’re spirit beings who has a soul and that it lives in a body. So is the real us (me/you) our spiritual person? And it’s in the spirit that we’ve been totally changed to be like Jesus. God is a Spirit and He deals with each of us on the basis of who we are in the Spirit (John 4:24, NIV). Ephesians 2:10, ESV also tells us, Our Spirit is His workmanship. So, are we now the righteousness of God in Christ? (2 Corinthian 5:21, NIV) To God be the Glory!

Yes, we’re human beings, we live eternally as a spirit, we have a soul, and we dwell in a body. It’s by our body that we function; 1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV tells us, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? Our soul is what gives us our personality (mind, will, emotions) - (conscious & subconscious) and it’s through our soul that we live out our relationship with God, people and ourselves. It’s in our spirit that we have meaning and purpose in life. It’s through our spirit that we have communion and fellowship with God. Our spiritual health and well- being will have a significant impact on our emotional health which will have a major influence on our physical health. The inter-connection between the spirit, the soul and the body is certainly real. Remember, "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1 Corinthians 6:20, KJV). Yes, the trinity of our Spirit, Soul and Body are interconnected; the important question is, are we interconnected to ‘The Trinity’?

Bread is Life

Would everyone agree that there is a hunger to please God? I’m starving! How about You? I know Americans eat a lot of bread. Simply we have to, because bread is life. Is there anyone who hasn’t eaten bread? All of us have eaten bread at some time in our life:

*Whole-Wheat Bread

*White Bread. *Rye Bread

*Multi-Grain Bread

*Sourdough Bread

*Pita Bread. *Banana Bread

*Unleavened bread

*Cornbread...

Some of us might attest that these breads taste great, but they’re not ‘Manna’ from heaven. Yes, Bread (Jesus) is Life! Scripture, John 6:33 (KJV) says: "For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." Now that’s some great bread! Is there anyone Hungry? 🎶Bread of Heaven: Feed Me Till I Want No More.🎵

God has always fed His children with Bread ‘Manna’ from Heaven. God provided the Manna for the children of Israel in the Wilderness. He also sent down the Bread of Heaven in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus was miraculously charitable to feeding the 5,000. Normally, after we’ve eaten, we are not hungry; except for maybe a couple hours afterwards, our hunger returns and we’re ready to snack and/or eat again. In John 6:35 (NIV), Jesus says, He who comes to me will no longer be hungry. Knowing that Faith without Works is dead; in John 6:27, (NKJV) Jesus tells us, "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set his seal." (Bread of life)...Yes, eating the Bread of Heaven is tasteful to the Spirit! Who’ ready for seconds?

In case you were not fully aware, Heaven’s Bread will give us life. Physical bread can only sustain our human life for a while. However, even though we’re well fed, after time, the body will still physically die; Jesus, on the other hand, is Bread that gives everlasting life. Yes, Jesus is the ultimate Bread. It’s true, the Israelites ate Manna in the wilderness and also the crowd on the mountainside ate and was filled; yet physically, they all eventually died. All who partake of this Manna (Him/Jesus) will never die and is guaranteed eternal life. At the moment, I’m not physically hungry, but I am very much Spiritually Hungry. Are you? And, I am very appreciative and grateful for Jesus (Bread) and Everlasting/Eternal Life... Hallelujah!!!

Now when are we not hungry? When are we not thirsty? We already know Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life! We are assured in John 6:35 (WEB), "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. Again, when are we not hungry or thirsty? Revelation 7:16 (KJV) says, They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more... I’m in that number and, I pray you are too! As members of the Body of Christ, we are a Communion of Saints. We’re mindful of 1 Corinthians 10:17 (NASB), "Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread." Remembering The Lord’s Supper, John 6:53 (KJV), Then Jesus said unto them; Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. At His Table, we do not eat and drink the physical Body of Christ, but we do eat and drink of Him Spiritually. Who wants life? In Christ, let us Commune together (Matthew 18:20, KJV). (The Bread of Heaven, The Blood)...Anyone Spiritually Hungry and Thirsty? I Am!!! 🎶Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more.🎵

As we continue to Hunger for The Bread of Life (Jesus), let us also continuously commemorate His death, just as we have recently: The Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 10:21, KJV), Communion, as often as we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we remind ourselves that we need Christ to sustain us and preserve our faith, just as much as we need food (bread & drink) to preserve our health. In 1 Corinthians 11:25 (KJV), we’re reminded that we gather to eat and drink because we are hungry and we are waiting. As we pull back our chair to sit at the King’s Table, we confess our hunger and expectation to be satisfied in all of His (Christ’s) righteousness. We look up and down the table and we see Jesus at the head; we also see Jesus’ Body (members, the Church) our faithful brothers and sisters on our right and left who share this Soulful meal of fellowship with us. While at the table, we taste the Favorable appetizers (blessings) and visualize glimpses of heaven’s feast. To eat Jesus’ consecrated flesh (bread) and to drink His consecrated blood (wine) means to believe in Him by personally appropriating His sacrificial death and by continually partaking of His life. So, my brothers and sisters (Family) - (Members of The Body), let us be Hungry for Bread, ‘Manna’ (His body) and thirsty for drink (His blood); and let us continue this sacrament, to eat and drink until His return (1 Corinthians 11:26, KJV). We take Communion in remembrance of...? (Luke 22:19, KJV). Who’s Hungry and Thirsty? I’m starving, Hallelujah! The Bread of Life

Desire

Can we discuss the importance of our salvation in having a Ministry and the Desire to Minister serving God? God desires all men to be saved. He desires that none should perish. God desires to forgive us of our unfaithfulness; He also desires us to Forgive. He desires to deliver us from our sinful ways. (Ephesians 5:3-11, NIV) God wants to live in us, and be able to express Himself through us (2 Corinthians 6:16, NIV; and, Colossians 1:27, NIV). He desires us to spend time with Him and He wants a personal relationship with us. God desires our heart. He desires us to give ourselves to Him unreservedly, just like He has given Himself to us. He desires each of us to love Him just like He loves us. God’s greatest Desire is for us is not only to love Him but also love others. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength and Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself (Mark 12:30-31, ERV). God’s Desires show His faithfulness and love for us. Likewise, let our Desires show our faithfulness and love for the Lord! God gave us His all; His best, He gave us His only begotten Son. God made a total commitment to us and His Desire is for us to reciprocate His love and commitment. Yes, God truly desires to give us the Desires of our heart. (Psalm 37:4, KJV)… What’s Your Desire?

Desire is not merely a simple wish; it is a deep seated craving; an intense longing, for attainment. In the realm of spiritual affairs, it is an important adjunct to prayer. So important is it, that one might say that Desire is an absolute essential of prayer. Desire precedes prayer, accompanies it, and is followed by it. Prayer is an expression of our Desire before God. Therefore, Desire goes before prayer. Prayer is the oral expression of Desire. Where prayer is heard, Desire is silent and unheard. When we pray, we should pray with a Desire. Without a Desire, there is no need for prayer. My Desire now is to pray that this message is encouraging.

Okay, we live in a world of Desires. One of the toughest things in life is living with an unfulfilled Desire. What is your Desire? Is it for worldly gain, or for the Kingdom of God? Is it our Desire and our trust in God? Ask yourselves, What is my biggest Desire in life? What are the things I think about the most? Psalm 37:4 (KJV) says, Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the Desires of your heart. God knows the Desires of our heart. He is always looking into our hearts to see if we Desire Him. Did any of us not know that God wants to grant us the Desires of our heart? Our Desire is what we long for, what or whom we long to be with. Our Desire is where our heart is; it is also our greatest treasure and will definitely be our reward (Matthew 6:21, KJV).

Inevitably, what we Desire is our object of worship. If our greatest desire is anything less than God then we are in idolatry. Our Desire is where we place our faith, hope, and love; it is where we expect that our Desire will be satisfied. God responds to people that Desire Him with their whole heart, those that hunger and thirst for Him and His righteousness. If we Desire the Desire, to Desire God above all else, then He can change our heart to Desire Him more than life itself. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, then His Desires will become ours. What is Your Desire? In summation, I’d like to give props to American gospel singer, Yolanda Adams for this Ministerial and musical rendition My Desire

🎶 "To reach the unreachable; to touch those no one wants to touch,

To find the lost one and tell them why you love them so much;

Lord, you said if I desire any good thing it would come to pass (Joshua 23:15, KJV)

Lord I want a Ministry to touch your people that will last.

My Heart’s Desire is to be a vessel

My Desire is to be used… (I want to be Your Vessel used by you Lord) "🎵

Can anyone of us say Choose Me and Use Me Lord? That should be our Desire! If we surrender all to the Lord, and delight ourselves in Him, He will exalt us with our Desires (Psalm 37:4-5, KJV)… My desire is for me to be: (A Vessel of Love) (A Vessel of Peace) (A Vessel of Joy) (A Vessel of Forgiveness) and (A Vessel of Fruitfulness)… Lord, that’s my Desire!

Faith & Trust

Did you know there is a vast difference between Faith and Trust? Faith and Trust are often used interchangeably as though they’re one and the same. They are not! In fact, FAITH and TRUST are entirely different things. Some may argue convincingly and agree to disagree. Many of us as followers of Christ often confuse having Faith in God with Trusting in God. Faith is a noun. It is often called the substance of hope. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) tells us For we walk by faith, not by sight. Faith requires no evidence for belief. It is something we have or possess, a substance or evidence of things both hoped for and not seen (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). It’s basically a strong belief in a higher power without proof or evidence. We truly can’t say we’re saved, neither can we proclaim to be who we say we are and whose we are and not have Faith in God. We cannot have Trust, unless we have Faith. Faith always comes first. So let’s be FAITHful!

Understanding Faith; and knowing we can’t have Trust without Faith, let’s learn of Trust and its importance. Trust is a verb. It is something we do. It is Faith in action. Yes, Faith always comes first; whereas, Trust is never guaranteed. Trust is a willful choice, a deliberate action, and can only grow out of our Faith. Trust is largely based on evidence that our higher power is real. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5, KJV). Do we truly Trust Him to provide and care for us and supply all our needs (Matthew 6:25, KJV; 1 Peter 5:7, KJV; and, Philippians 4:19, KJV)? Or, do we place our Trust in our personal resources and efforts; or in other people, or things we think we control? Blessed is the man that Trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is (Jeremiah 17:7, KJV). I Trust Him, and He surely Trusts Me. 🎶I Will Trust In The Lord... 🎵 Will You?

Sometime ago, somewhere in a blog, I read that FAITH says our higher power CAN and trust says our higher power IS. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit, personally, I have spent the last several years growing in Faith as I’ve exercised my Faith in God; and thus, building my Trust In Him. I now realize my journey has been unbelievable! Now God is daily moving in me, from teaching me Faith to teaching me Trust; especially, how I’m to have Faith and Trust Him. More, than I can or could ever imagine! I, like many, had never considered the difference between Faith and Trust; but by-and-by, as I’ve grown in Grace and in the Knowledge of Christ; I’ve begun to understand it much better. Now, God has taught me to totally and completely have Faith in Him and Trust Him (Rely on Him), in all things. If we (you and I) are serious about our spiritual growth, and our soul salvation, we must fully have Faith (strong belief in God), and Trust (believe and completely rely on God). We cannot have Faith, without Trust! I can’t, can you? And, because of my Faith and Trust in Him, 🎶I Can Depend On God🎵 Yes Lord!

Are we growing in Faith? Do we Trust God? I’ve come to this conclusion: We didn’t grow in our Faith because our Faith was weak. We didn’t grow because we didn’t Trust. I would say that Faith is probably the most important thing in our life. Would you agree? Whereas, Trust, is equally important, as it is to God. Trusting in God is one of the primary vehicles God uses to deepen and strengthen our Faith. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) tells us it’s impossible to please God without Faith and, Psalm 56:4 (KJV) tells us In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. And lastly, Psalm 31:19 (KJV) reminds us Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that Trust in thee before the sons of men. So, we’ve come far in our understanding in reference our Walk of Faith. Now realizing that The just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38-39, KJV); and, This is the victory that has overcome the world - Our Faith. (1John 5:4, KJV) With our Faith and Trust in God, We’re Victorious! Thank you Jesus! Our FAITH and Our TRUST, is it sufficient for Our Salvation? So, how important is Faith? Very! Now we know Faith Leads to Trust, and that we can’t have Faith in God without Trusting Him. Thank God I have Faith in Him and I choose to Trust Him. What about Yawl?

🎶"My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,

Oh, let me from this day. Be wholly Thine!"🎵

🎶I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord till I die.🎵

🎶Great is Thy Faithfulness🎵

🎶Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus (Trust In Jesus).🎵

God is pleased, only if we have FAITH and TRUST in Him. I have Faith that the Holy Spirit is pleased with this message; towards strengthening our Walk of Faith. I also Trust that the Holy Spirit has enlightened and empowered each reader to Trust in God. To 🎶Trust and Obey...🎵

Favor

Who wouldn’t want to be a privileged recipient of God’s Favor? Favor is a word in the Bible that is most often overlooked. Sometimes the Favor of God can be described as tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord. Psalm 5:12 (NIV) says, Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your Favor as with a shield. We usually favor someone who also favors us. In the same way, God shows Favor to the ones who delight in, connect with, and give honor to Him. Isaiah 66:2 (NIV) says, These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. Favor anyone? Did you know that Favor is closely related to grace in the Bible? Those who have received Jesus as their Savior are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9, NIV). They know the Favor of God. As already mentioned, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6, KJV), but those who have saving faith in God’s Son are declared righteous (Romans 4:5, KJV; and, Philippians 3:9, KJV) and live in God’s Favor. Many of us believe we have to earn the Favor of God, but the truth is, we already have His Favor. God saved us because of His Favor toward us. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) tells us, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. I pray that all who reads this message are in the Favor of God

Yes, Favor is different from Grace, but did you really know that Grace is Favor? (Genesis 6:8, NIV/Favor and KJV/Grace). Grace is the free and unmerited blessings of God. Favor is described as God’s unusual liking to us. We are saved by His Favor; to be saved means to be delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole. God’s Favor covers every area of our lives! By His Favor, He has taken care of everything we will ever need; spirit, soul and body. But we must be born again. We must be righteous; in His righteousness. Psalm 5:12 (AKJV) says, "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with Favor. You will surround him as with a shield" We certainly must have Faith; and we all need to be shielded. To have Faith, we must grow in Grace (God’s Word). We must have His Word in our hearts, and we must speak it out of our mouths. In doing this, God’s Favor is ours, but again, we can only receive it by Faith.

Yes, All Favor of God is received by Faith. Remember in Ephesians 2:8 (KJV), God saved you by His grace…. This means that God’s Favor provides every possible blessing and goodness He has to give. Yes, Faith! Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17, KJV). He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches... (Revelation 2:17, KJV). Did you also know that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are a sign of God’s Favor on us? Favor is the special affection of God towards us. Definitely, the Favor of God does produce Blessings! His Favor and Blessings are available to all of us. We just need to have Faith and Trust Him. He’s worthy. Those who are Favored of God know that God is with them and that nothing can happen to them apart from His good purpose (Romans 8:28, KJV). C’mon yawl, Favor Up!

In summation, the following biblical scriptures tell us; the Lord invites us to seek His Favor (Psalm 119:58 & 135, KJVs; 2 Kings 13:4, KJV; Jeremiah 26:19, KJV; and, Zephaniah 2:3 KJV). When we seek His favor, we humble our hearts before Him (2 Kings 22:19, KJV); seek Him for Himself, not just for the blessings He gives (Jeremiah 29:13, KJV). God’s (Favor) blessings, whether material or spiritual, are not intended just to help us with our own life. They are intended to help us help others and extend the kingdom of God here on earth. It’s a blessing to have God’s Favor! Psalms 5:12 (ESV) says, For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with Favor as with a shield. The many countless blessings we daily receive are not to be taken likely. Blessings we know of and blessings we know not of. God gives us so much, it’s more than we truly deserve. 🎶’FAVOR’ I give you Favor you will never want for anything when you pray I will answer, Ask for rain and watch it fall. This is the hour I’m pouring out My Favor🎵 (Karen Clark Sheard). My Hope and Prayer is that we become Favorable with God! I’m in His Favor are you?

Fruitfulness

Biblically, we recall in Mark 11:12-14,20 (KJV), Jesus was hungry; He saw in the distance a tree full of leaves. Many trees produce leaves and flowers simultaneously, but the Fruit always follows the leaves. The nourishment provided by the sun (Son), via the leaves/branches is necessary for the production of Fruit. Jesus curses and destroys the fig tree because it had no figs - even though it wasn’t the season for figs; and, although it had leaves but no fruit, of course did not produce. So now we know why Jesus curses the fig tree. And because Jesus is the Vine, we as branches are to produce fruit in season and out of season. Who wants to be cursed? In John 15:16 (ESV), Jesus tells us: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit. Yes, Jesus chose Me and He chose You! We are Christ’s Fruit because he died for us. And because of the Cross and His shed blood, we are now His Fruit and His Fruit-bearers - if we are willing to take up our cross and die with Him (John 12:23, 24, NKJV). Someone said that the